Breast Reduction Surgery - Procedure, Benefits and Recovery

Also called reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction removes excess fat, skin, and tissue from the breasts. If you are having any discomfort because of large breasts, you might undergo breast reduction surgery to ease your discomfort or achieve an appropriate breast size. This surgery will improve your self-esteem and ability to take part in physical activities.

1. Decreases chronic back pain
2. Decreases chronic neck pain
3. Imparts better posture
4. Boosts self-confidence
5. Gives a more youthful profile
6. Reduces irritation of the skin on the underside of the breasts
7. Helps in eliminating breathing issues in rare cases with enlarged breasts.

This procedure is done for the following reasons:

1. If your left breast varies in size or shape when compared to your right breast.
2. If your breast is causing sleep difficulty.
3. If you have tingling and numbness in your arms because of breast weight loss.
4. If you have back, neck and shoulder pain due to the weight of your breasts.
5. Permanent grooves in your shoulders because of the bra strap holding the weight of your breast.
6. If you have skin rashes, irritation, sores, or infection under the crease of your breast.
7. If you have stretched skin, stretched areolas, or nipples hanging below your breast.

1. Until your vitals stabilise, you will be kept in the recovery room.
2. You will have a tube attached to your breast to drain fluid.
3. The tube will be removed 2-3 days after surgery.
4. If you are recovering well, you may go home the same day, but in most cases, 2-3 days of hospital stay is the standard procedure after surgery.
5. You will be given postoperative instructions which include what types of oral and topical medications can help to reduce pain and prevent infection.
6. You will be advised to take plenty of rest till your breast heals.
7. Avoid any movements that might stretch the chest muscle and tear your stitches.
8. You may have difficulty lifting your arms for the first few weeks after surgery.
9. Take 2-3 weeks off from your work till you recover.
10. Don’t perform a strenuous exercise for a few weeks.

First follow-up appointment

1. Your first follow-up will be scheduled in the first 1-2 weeks after your surgery, and the stitches will be removed so that the surgeon can check your incision site.
2. The doctor will ask you for tests, including blood tests, chest x-rays, breast exams, etc, and will decide on your medication depending on your condition.
3. If you have pain or any other discomfort, you should discuss it with your doctor.
4. You will be advised for further timely follow-ups by your doctor.

Seek medical care immediately if you have:

1. Bleeding
2. Pain that is not controlled even after taking pain medication.
3. Have a sudden change in your breast shape or have firmness in your breasts.
4. See there is drainage, pus, redness, or swelling of your incision.